STARLINK-30956 (58481)

COSPAR: 2023-186J | Alt Name: Starlink 30956

Image
STARLINK-30956 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

December 3, 2023

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58481

International Designator

2023-186J

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:17:06 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

14.93°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.26°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30956

Alternative Name

Starlink 30956

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 58481U 23186J   26200.84521464  .00000392  00000+0  23757-4 0  9991
2 58481  43.0017  14.9347 0001241 267.2649  92.8061 15.27577117146364

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The Starlink-30956 satellite, also known as Starlink 30956, is a communication satellite under the Starlink V2M series and the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. It was launched on December 3, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite is stabilized by Argon ion thrusters and is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) as part of the Starlink Group 6-31-09 constellation.

Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.3

Diameter

4.1

Span

29

Dry Mass

700

Launch Mass

730

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink Group 6-31-09

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

SPXS

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Starlink V2M

Configuration

Starlink v2 Mini

Motor

Argon ion thrusters

Equipment

Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link

Power System

Solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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